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Edward Lee Hager passed away on December 19th, 2024 at the age of 80. He was dearly loved. Ed Hager was a class act, a giving, kind, loving, Godly man. He dedicated his life to CSX Railroads for over 40 years. Many admired him for his loyalty to the railroad, and how committed he was to the job. He worked with many people over 40 years, and was a well known hard-ass as many would say, but he taught them well- it was his other admirable quality. Well into his retirement, he took up a job teaching other railroaders, and still went out to check track regularly. He worked up until October of 2024 until he had a stroke. Ed loved the railroad. His favorite pastimes included anything outside. He was a skilled fishermen, and made sure to teach every single child and grandchild the art of fishing. When he wasn't spending his time down at the dock with his dog Stella, he was tinkering around in his garden and shed. Over the last few years, he managed to put together a spectacular garden full of berries, vegetables, flowers, beans, herbs, you name it, he had it or was planning to plant it. In his shed and garage, he built his garden, toy boxes, targets, birdhouses, and had all the tools and equipment. Aside from tinkering, he loved to take a drive in is 2004 Chevy Silverado with his best buddy, Stella. They went everywhere together, and always paid a visit to the kids, grandkids, and friends on their adventures through town. If he wasn't spending time outside, he was messing around on the computer, going back hundreds of years through Ancestry. He came into contact with so many distant relatives over the years, and discovered lifelong connections that he never would have had without that site. He loved going through Facebook to find even more relatives and friends, and always enjoyed sending messages to everyone he knew. He also enjoyed spending time involved in his family history through Watoga State Park, and the CCC (Civilian Conservation Corps), which his father John was a member of. He passed every bit of information down to his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He loved sports too. Baseball- the Cincinnati Reds were a favorite- basketball, and football. He enjoyed watching all of his children and grandkids play sports. He took two grand trips in his life. His first cherished trip was a fishing trip to Costa Rica, with his best friend David Leadman. To this day, he has all of the information saved in a file, and a photo album filled to the brim with photos of fish, and everything they got to see. His second was the best adventure, with his beloved wife Carolyn (and Stella of course) in a road trip cross country for their 50th wedding anniversary. They got to drive across the states, enjoy Vegas, Yellowstone, and even the Grand Canyon! And in classic Hager fashion, with many photos to come home with. Edward is survived by many beloved family members. His wife Carolyn June Hager of 58 years (m. 1966) and their children, Robert E. Hager and his wife Valerie, as well as Cynthia Hager Shade and her husband Robert Shade. He is survived by his grandchildren Tonya, Courtney, Kayla, Lauren, Ryan, and Ethan, as well as his great-grandchildren Bryson, Riley, Kylye, and Daymian. His favorite job was being a grandpa, and he was the very best one around. He is also survived by his nieces and nephew, Kim, Beth, and David, and their children. Then, by his dog, Stella, who was his best friend, and his "grand-dogs" Lyla, Bella, Moose, Lucy, Zeus, Sarge, Arlo, and Emra - he loved them all to pieces. In heaven, he will again meet his Mother, Father, and Brother, Sylvia, John, and Jerry Hager. Edward Lee Hager was a truly special man. He was deeply cherished, loved, and cared for by many, which he selflessly reciprocated to all. He will be missed. The family will receive friends on Friday, December 27 from 5:00-7:00 PM with a service following at 7:00 PM in the chapel of Cavin-Cook Funeral Home with Chaplain Eddie Karriker officiating. For those unable to attend the service please use the following link to view the service: https://view.oneroomstreaming.com/index.php?data=MTczNTMzODU1NTM0Mjg5NyZvbmVyb29tLWFkbWluJmNvcHlfbGluaw== In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Watoga State Park, 4800 Watoga Park Rd, Marlinton, WV 24954. Cavin-Cook Funeral Home & Crematory, Mooresville, is serving the Hager family. Condolences may be made to the family at www.cavin-cook.com.

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Edward Lee Hager

December 29, 1943 - December 19, 2024